The European Commission has again called on the Czech Republic to ensure an immediate return of money to travel agency clients who received vouchers for other stays instead of cash for canceled trips due to the coronavirus epidemic.
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He informed about it on Friday Czech Radio Radiožurnál with reference to the letter sent by Brussels to the Ministry of Regional Development (MRD). According to the Ministry of Regional Development, the Czechia insists that it has not violated EU consumer protection rules; is studying the current opinion of the European Commission.
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According to the new law, TAs could issue so-called lex vouchers for canceled tours with a planned departure from 20 February to 31 August to clients instead of cash vouchers. Czech clients will be entitled to a cash refund who will not use the voucher to pay for another trip by the end of August next year. People over the age of 65, the disabled, the unemployed, parents on maternity or parental leave, single people or people who cannot work due to coronavirus can apply for money straight away. Schools can also request money straight away in the case of school trips.
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However, the European Commission wants people to be able to receive money immediately and without exception, even in the current emergency.
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According to spokesman Vilém Frček, the Ministry of Regional Development is now getting acquainted with the European Commission’s letter. However, he insists that the Czech Republic has not violated EU regulations, because the Czech law contains a number of exceptions and no one will lose money. If the TA client does not use the voucher by August 31 next year, the office must return the money.
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The European Commission has threatened the Czech Republic with the issuance of vouchers to travel agency clients and a lawsuit, but now, according to Radiožurnál, it is not considering this, because the controversial practice is over.
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European countries have sought to ease the situation for tourism companies affected by the Covid-19 restrictions by temporarily offering vouchers to clients instead of returning them. However, the EU directive guarantees people the right to get their cash back for canceled trips within two weeks. In mid-May, the EC therefore sent letters of reprimand to 13 states, including the Czech Republic, asking for an explanation.
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